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March 18, 2012

What is the shelf life of dried herbs & spices?

Have you ever wondered "how long do spices last?" As spice jars are
not often stamped with a best before date, here's a handy guide to help
you determine freshness and flavor.

Herbs 1-2 years
Seasoning Blends 1-3 years
Ground Spices 2-3 years
Whole Spices up to 4 years
(whole
peppercorn, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks as well as particularly potent
whole spices such as cloves, cumin and cardamom can stand the test of
time)
Seeds 4 years
Extracts 4 years

If you
aren't sure how long a jar of dried herbs or spices has been in your
cupboard, try testing the
colour or aroma. The colour of your spices
should be vibrant, so if the colour has faded, chances are the flavor
has
to. Now pop open the lid and have a sniff, or try rubbing or crushing
the spice in your hand. If the aroma is weak and flavor is not
apparent, it is time to replace. Keep in mind that herbs and spices do
not spoil, they simply lose their strength. So if a ground spice has
some fragrance left, but less than you think it should, just use more in
your recipe. Then you'll run out faster and have a reason to procure a
new batch.

Finally, storage plays a role in
maintaining potency, so be sure to store in an airtight container in a
cool dry place. Try not to store jars near the heat of the stove, close
to the humidity of a dishwasher, in the bright sun or in the freezer
where condensation can be an issue. Similarly, try not to shake spices
out of the jar directly above your pot on the stove, as that's a sneaky
way to let unwanted steam in.